September is here, and most schools are back in session. Almost 8 million children participate in school sports every year. Is your child one of them? The last thing parents, coaches, and doctors want is an injury. No matter what sport your child chooses this fall, they should know how to prevent injuries and stay safe while playing.
Common Sports Injuries
Fractures are common in sports and can be very painful and require immediate treatment from your foot doctor. The ankle bone can be fractured, as can the many bones of the foot.
Sprains come from sudden, awkward movements or overuse. Even an athlete in good shape can sustain a sprain. A sprain is a stretch or tear of ligaments that hold bones together at a joint. Many sprains will respond to RICE care: Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation.
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the large tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. This injury causes pain and stiffness at the back of the heel and can happen when pushing off with the foot in soccer and football.
Preventing An Injury
Many of the above sports injuries can be avoided with the proper preparation:
- Physical exam: Your podiatrist will examine your child for signs that they should not be playing sports or what to watch for. The doctor may have special instructions based on your child’s needs that should be followed.
- Warm up properly: Make sure that a warm-up, including gentle stretches, is part of your child’s workouts.
- Fields in good condition: Ensure that fields and other playing surfaces are in good condition with no holes or other dangers.
- Don’t play through an injury: If your child admits to pain or shows symptoms like limping or favoring a foot, make sure they understand it is time to take a break. Playing through pain is a sure way to worsen an injury.
- Invest in good equipment: Don’t skimp on sports shoes, cleats, mouthguards, or other equipment.
Injuries do happen despite your best efforts to prevent them. Please call if your child sustains a foot or ankle injury. We are here to help!
Here at Georgia Podiatry, we believe in providing optimal foot, ankle, and leg care to our clients. Dr. Evan Brody, Dr. Harshil Patel, Dr. Erin Cupolo, and the rest of the staff at our Kennesaw and Austell locations are ready and eager to help treat your feet. Call us at 678-310-0540 to make an appointment today.